taxes low. the senate has already passed a bill to keep income taxes from going up on middle class families. democrats in the house are ready to do the same thing. and if we can just get a few house republicans onboard, i'll sign this bill as soon as congress sends it my way. but it's unacceptable for some republicans in congress to hold middle class tax cuts hostage simply because they refuse to let tax rates go up on the wealthiest americans. >> in the republican response, senator orrin hatch takes th s hostage metaphor one step further and brings to mind a memorable movie scene. >> unfortunately, some on the other side of the aisle are offering a disastrous thelma and luiz strategy that would take us over the cliff, putting millions of middle class families and our already weakened economy in further jeopardy. >> negotiations will continue on capitol hill next week. president obama has said he wants to get a deal done by christmas day. >>> there is no way to avoid the elephant in the room. th